Handmade Apothecary
Intensive
White sand, salt air, and an herbalism education you can trust, because you'll understand the science behind it.
Most herbalism education asks you to take claims on faith. This one hands you the tools to evaluate them yourself.
Join the author of The Evidence Based Handmade Apothecary (releasing May 15, 2026) on the Emerald Coast, Florida (30-A area, near Destin) for an intensive weekend of hands-on skill-building where you'll learn how to navigate scientific literature and translate research into effective formulations. You'll leave with the skills to formulate independently and the confidence to know why it works.
The Approach
1
Study the Science
Before we make anything, we examine the research. You'll learn to read studies critically, understand what constitutes meaningful evidence, and spot the gaps between marketing claims and actual data.
2
Master the Technique
Each formulation teaches transferable skills: extraction methods, concentration calculations, carrier selection. These aren't recipes to follow blindly; they're frameworks you'll adapt and apply independently.
3
Expand Your Toolkit
Leave with a systematic approach to evaluating ingredients, designing formulations, and making informed decisions about what belongs in your apothecary, and what doesn't.
Immersion Experience
Beach House Accommodations: $1,695
beach-front house on 30-A (between Destin and Panama City Beach) w/ multi-occupancy rooms| 2 payments of $847.50
Off-Site Accommodations: $895
accommodations, breakfast, and dinner not included | 2 payments of $447.50
April 17-19
A complete education in evidence-based botanical formulation
FRIDAY 10A - 6P
We dive right in with an overview to the framework used in the book and an introduction to evidence evaluation. Sessions include Foundations of Formulation (oil infusion techniques, working with waxes, preservation science, carrier selection principles) and First Aid & Pain Relief (thermal injury treatment, anti-inflammatory and analgesic botanicals, internal vs. topical delivery for pain). Late afternoon is yours for the beach. Off Site guests head out at 6pm; Beach House guests continue into dinner and evening discussion.
You'll make: Cooling Burn Spray, Golden Pain Relief Caps
SATURDAY 9A - 6P
The deepest day of the intensive. Morning sessions cover Skin & The Dermal Microbiome (antimicrobial dosing, evidence-based alternatives to conventional antibiotics, antifungal formulation) and Respiratory Support (how viruses affect the respiratory system, formulating for cough and congestion). After lunch, you'll have extended time for the beach, rest, or one-on-one consultations. We reconvene for Immune Function (how the immune system actually works, lifestyle measures with strong evidence, evaluating immune claims critically). Off Site guests head out at 6pm; Beach House guests gather for dinner.
You'll make: Owie Balm, Fungus Fighting Cream, Soothing Cough Drops, Clear Breathing Balm, Immune Defense Syrup, Hand Sanitizer
SUNDAY 9A - 5P
We begin with Digestive Support (carminatives, bitters, and motility support; nausea management with evidence) followed by Nervous System & Cognitive Support (adaptogens under scrutiny, sleep support without sedation, cognitive enhancement research). After lunch, our final session—Building Your Practice—focuses on creating your own protocols, documentation systems, and continued learning. We close with integration and Q&A.
You'll make: Clinical Ginger Chews, Digest-Ease Drops, Sleep Easy Oil, Sharp Mind Caps
Fully Immersive
You'll master the techniques and concepts by creating twelve full sized healing products. Each one is customized to meet your family's unique needs, so you'll leave with a well-stocked apothecary.
Pain Relief & First Aid
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Owie Balm
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Cooling Burn Spray
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Golden Pain Relief Caps
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Fungus Fighting Cream
Immune & Respiratory Health
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Soothing Cough Drops
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Immune Defense Syrup
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Hand Sanitizer
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Clear Breathing Balm
GI & Mental Wellness
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Clinical Ginger Chews
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Sleep Easy Oil
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Digest-Ease Drops
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Sharp Mind Caps
You're not here to follow recipes. You're here to learn why they work, so you can write your own.
Everything Included
BEACH HOUSE ACCOMMODATIONS
2 nights in a private luxury beach house (on 30-A between Destin and Panama City Beach)
Shared rooms (2-4 guests per room)
2 breakfasts
2 gourmet dinners
Evening access to Dr Cavanaugh for roundtable discussions
EVERYONE (BEACH HOUSE & OFF SITE ATTENDEES)
3 lunches
Coffee, tea, snacks throughout
Refreshments during sessions
All common spaces and outdoor areas
Beach access (daytime only)
LEARN
8 intensive learning modules
Direct instruction from the Dr. Cavanaugh
Research interpretation training
Formulation methodology framework
Open Q&A and discussion throughout
TAKE HOME
Signed pre-release copy of the book
12+ finished products in labeled containers
NRI Luxury Swag Bag
Welcome kit
Meet Dr Cavanaugh
Founder & President, Nutraceuticals Research Institute
Dr. Jessie Cavanaugh has shaped how the natural products industry conducts clinical research. As founder of Nutraceuticals Research Institute, she has designed and led FDA-authorized clinical trials for major dietary supplement and essential oil companies around the world, generating evidence that supports product claims, informs regulatory decisions, and advances the credibility of integrative medicine.
Her research has directly influenced clinical practice. When concerns arose about essential oil safety in children, Dr. Cavanaugh designed the first epidemiological study to definitively test the hypothesis, work now cited in clinical guidelines worldwide.
She holds a post-doctoral certificate from Harvard Medical School, advanced epidemiology training from the University of London, and a PhD in Health Research. Before NRI, she built Franklin School of Integrative Health Sciences from the ground up, the first integrative health institution in the region to achieve full state authorization.
Dr. Cavanaugh created The Evidence Based Handmade Apothecary book and immersion weekend because the best learning happens with hands on experiences. She has been teaching natural wellness for over 20 years, and she remains personally involved in every session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What background do I need? None specifically. You should be comfortable learning new concepts and engaging with unfamiliar material, but we don't assume prior science education or herbalism experience. Beginners with intellectual curiosity and experienced practitioners looking to deepen their evidence base both do well here.
How is this different from other herbalism workshops? Most workshops teach you to make specific products. We teach you methodology: how to evaluate research, design formulations, and make informed decisions independently. The products you make are vehicles for learning techniques, not the end goal.
How much hands-on making vs. instruction? Each module combines both. We typically start with the research and principles (30-40 minutes), then move into hands-on application (60-90 minutes). You're never just listening or just making; the two reinforce each other.
What should I bring? Just yourself. All ingredients, equipment, containers, and materials are provided. We'll send a packing list for personal items two weeks before. Bring comfortable clothes and something for the beach.
What if I want to get additional copies of Dr Cavanaugh's book? All attendees, whether Beach House guests or Off Site guests will have the opportunity to purchase up to a full case of pre-release copies of Dr Cavanaugh's book to take home at a 50% discount ($17.47 ea).
How do room assignments work? Rooms are shared (2-4 guests). You can request to room with a friend, or we'll match you thoughtfully. A limited number of private room upgrades are available first come, first served.
Where exactly is 30-A? 30-A is a scenic highway along Florida's Emerald Coast, running through beach towns like Rosemary Beach, Seaside, and WaterColor, about 30 minutes east of Destin and 30 minutes west of Panama City Beach. The nearest airports are Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS) and Panama City Beach (ECP).
What's the cancellation policy? 60+ days out: full refund minus $500 deposit. 30-59 days: 50% refund. Under 30 days: no refund, but your spot is fully transferable to someone else.
Will I be able to recreate these formulations at home? Yes! The book includes all formulations with detailed instructions, and your notes from the weekend will include your specific variations and observations. More importantly, you'll have the skills to design new formulations yourself.